New and reassessed species of Griffinia (Amaryllidaceae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Authors: CAMPOS-ROCHA, ANTONIO - Universidade De Campinas (UNICAMP); Meerow, Alan; MENEZES LOPEZ, EDIMAR - Universidade De Campinas (UNICAMP); SEMIR, JOAO - Universidade De Campinas (UNICAMP); SAMPAIO MAYER, JULIANA LISCHKA - Universidade De Campinas (UNICAMP); DUTILH, JULIE HENRIETTE - Universidade De Campinas (UNICAMP)

Submitted to: Systematic Botany
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/26/2019
Publication Date: 5/29/2019
Citation: Campos-Rocha, A., Meerow, A.W., Menezes Lopez, E., Semir, J., Sampaio Mayer, J., Dutilh, J. 2019. New and reassessed species of Griffinia (Amaryllidaceae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Systematic Botany. 44:310-318.

Interpretive Summary: The genus Griffinia is one of only three genera of the highly ornamental amaryllis family that are found only in Brazil. In this paper, a new species of the genus is described, G. albolineata, which is known only from two sites in a fragmented portion of the Brazilian Atlantic Rain Forest. The new species is named for the attractive white stripe along the leaf midrib. We also discuss a previously poorly documented species, G. intermedia, large-statured species of the genus. For both species, we provide a description and detailed distribution data, unpublished records, and photographs from their natural habitat. We also compare leaf anatomy and surface features of the two species. The conservation status of the two species is evaluated, and both are considered threatened with extinction. An identification key to the large-sized species of the genus is presented.

Technical Abstract: In the context of our revision in preparation for Amaryllidaceae tribe Griffinieae, we describe and illustrate a new species of Griffinia, known from a single fragment of the Atlantic Forest in the State of Minas Gerais. It is distinguished by the foliar blade with a whitish longitudinal stripe and long-acuminate apex, unique features among the large-statured species of the genus. Additionally, we present a taxonomic reassessment of G. intermedia, described about two centuries ago and historically of very uncertain identity. We provide a description and detailed distribution data, unpublished records and photographs of the species in its natural habitat. We also compare foliar anatomy and surface micromorphology of the two species. The conservation status of the two species is evaluated, and both are considered threatened with extinction. An identification key to the large-statured species of the genus is presented.